What to do while water is coming in
- Keep the area clear. Stay away from sagging or damaged ceilings and water near electrical fittings. Seek urgent professional help for an unsafe situation.
- Protect what you can safely reach. Move belongings away from the affected area. A container can catch a small drip where the ceiling and floor are safe to approach.
- Record the event. Take photographs from a safe position and note the time, rain intensity and wind direction if known.
- Contact a repairer. Describe active water entry, damaged linings and any immediate concerns before discussing a visit.
Do not climb onto a wet roof, reach from a ladder in wind or open the roof covering during the storm. Temporary roof protection also needs a suitable access and weather assessment. A towel or container manages indoor water; it does not repair the source.
Once the immediate problem is addressed, use our roof maintenance checklist to plan the follow-up.
Why roof leaks appear during heavy rain
A joint may shed ordinary rainfall but admit wind-driven water. A gutter or outlet may cope with light rain and overflow under a larger flow. Damaged flashings, penetrations, sheet laps and deteriorated covering are other possibilities. Several defects can be present at the same time.
| Pattern | What to record |
|---|---|
| Only in strong wind | Which elevation faces the wind and whether the same room is affected each time. |
| After prolonged rain | The delay before water appears and how long it continues. |
| Beside a wall or penetration | The nearby roof feature and previous work around it. |
| Overflow visible outside | The gutter section, outlet and where water runs down the building. |
The ceiling stain gives us a location to investigate, but water can travel along building materials before becoming visible. We consider the route, not just the point where it drips.
A roof leak when it is windy
Keep notes from more than one rain event if the leak is intermittent. Write down dry storms as well as leaking ones: a different wind direction or intensity may help separate possible entry paths.
For example, a record might say: 'Bedroom ceiling near the outside wall; began 20 minutes after rain started; wind towards this wall; stopped an hour after the rain.' This is a sample observation, not a diagnosis. Add the date and a photograph number so each event can be compared.
A roof flashing repair may be relevant where a wall or penetration detail is involved. A suspected sheet joint belongs in the overlap-leak assessment. Describe both if you are unsure.
Investigation, temporary work and the permanent repair
We provide leak investigation and remediation for Wellington properties. The assessment can consider the roof, facade and window interfaces, with controlled testing where appropriate to trace the entry path.
Ask the repair scope to distinguish immediate protection from permanent work. It should identify the defect being addressed, the area included, materials, access and the completion check. If opening a detail reveals more deterioration, agree how that additional work will be scoped.
Repair time and price depend on the cause, height, weather, affected area and any damage underneath. A small joint repair and replacement of deteriorated roof material are different jobs. Send existing reports and repair invoices so the enquiry starts with the available history.
Before the next storm
Keep gutters and outlets on a maintenance schedule and arrange assessment of recurring defects. Check from the ground for changes after severe weather. Retain dated photographs after repairs, then note whether the same rain pattern produces any further water entry.
Report leaks on a newer roof to the original contractor as well, keeping photographs and the installation records. The age of the roof alone does not identify the cause. For broader deterioration, our roof repair vs replacement guide helps frame the options.
Your questions
Can a new roof leak in heavy rain?
Yes, water entry can involve a junction, penetration or another part of the building even when the covering is new. Record the conditions and ask for the source to be investigated.
Will a temporary patch solve it?
A temporary measure may limit water entry while permanent work is arranged. Ask what it addresses and what investigation or repair still needs to follow.
Should I contact my insurer?
If there is damage, contact your insurer and ask what photographs, records and approvals they need. Keep receipts and the contractor's findings with your claim record.